The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-24
CRIMINAL YET HUMAN.
How a Notorious Convict Was Led to Confess
sion-The Story of Sam Whitaker.

How Notorious Convict Was Led to Confess
sion-The Story of Sam Whitaker.
Compiled from the fret volume of Hubert Howe'Ban-
With the first great rush to the gold mines Of
California food Of criminals from all
parts of the earth. Everybody was SO engrossed
in gold getting that at first. little support was
given to the courts OF justice and criminals were
rarely punished. AT length the better men of the
community reused themselves for vigorous ac-
ton and formed vigilance committees to sup
press crime. The San Francisco committee was
most powerful and fully organized and its meth
DDS are clearly illustrated by its course with
Sam Whitaker
Whitaker became known to the committee
of the skillful of certain band OF
criminals and they determined to bring him to
punishment Placing their officers on his track.
they traced him from, hiding place to another,
but at last he arrested by the sheriff of one
of the lower counties of the State. aud brought
by him to San Francisco to be delivered to the
'egal authorities But on arrival the sheriff. by
llstake. stepped into the Office of business
nan, who was in sympathy with the vigilance
movement and said that he had prisoner to
deliver to the sheriff of San Francisco. suppos-
mistake was explained. and the merchant then
stepped over and told member of the commit
toe that Whitaker was on DO ard q steamer. ly-
ing at the wharf
The member at once hurried down. and in
duclng another to accompany him. boarded the
steamer, and found the captain at breakfast
Captain. you have Whitaker on board
'What'S that to your growled the Captain.
I'VE want him." was the significant answer.
''Have you the authority to take himE' grinned
the Captain.
Go down in the hold and get him."
Descending, they found WHITAKER with his
Get up and come with u.s."
Where tor demanded the prisoner.
up town to safe place."
Whitaker assented. but on reaching the
wharf held back.
'.Where you going7' said he.
t'Come along; it's all right" the reply.
He went without further opposition, hoping, yet
fearful, aud marched straight to the quar-
tiers of the dread committee of vigilance
When Whitaker brought into the COM
mittee-room he was subjected to a series OF
searching questions, but his only reply to
everything short. blunt negative.
This won't do" said one of the members.
'That is way to examine this man. You
can't intimidate him. Do you not see that he is
strong wllled fearless. and of iron nerves ?"
We'll, examine him yourself, If you like"
Very we'll; 1 will do It, l think know more
of human nature than you do-to-day, at all
events" Accordingly, he took seat beside
Whitaker and began:
What is your natlonalitys'
Il am an Englishman."
Shave yoE father llvingW
Yes"
Two" said the poor fellow, already soften
''Whittaker" said his examiner, earnestly,
what must De the feelings of your father,
mother, sisters, when they learn of the awful
acts and end of one they love; convicted and ex-
ecuted for Infamous crimes in foreign landf
Think of it-nisery disgrace DEATH"
20 God.' ne cried. IS if now, with the tears
that began to fow his very soul was wrenched,
II have been bad. very bad but let me tell you
about it.
fessioE with the expectation that it will mitigate
in the least your punishment If you are found
guilty. feel for you, but feeling and duty /
divorced before entering upon this mission.
will leave you now and return in an hour
The inquisitor then sent mug of ale in to
the prisoner, and took position whore he could
much disturbed, and at times apparently suffer
ed great agony of mind Solitude seemed unen-
durable to him. Long before the hour had ex-
PRED, the door keeper appeared.
.sWhittaker says he must see you
What is the matter, Whitaker asked the
examiner. as he entered the room.
You" he exclaimed. ARE the first man who
has touched my heart. The world has
hunted though were a monster; you
alone have spoken TO me to human being.
must make a confession to you; if not, shall
burst" and long record of crime laid
bare
While he vets prisoner in the hands Of
the vigilance committee, Whitaker was res
cued from the committee rooms by the sheriff of
San Francisco and placed in Jail. But the Jail
was soon broken into and the prisoner recap
tured. He thrust into q carriage that
stood in waiting; The driver piled lis whip and
the horses dashed off at the top of their speed.
When the committee rooms were reached,
Whitaker soon swining high in the air
from rope that hung from a beam projecting
from the second story.